Knowing not only symptoms, but also key differences between cold, flu or COVID-19 will keep kids healthy and slow the spread of these viruses.
Your child has a sore throat, cough and fever. Is it COVID-19? Could it be the flu, or maybe just a cold?
Viruses that infect the respiratory tract can cause any of these illnesses. All are contagious and share similar symptoms. Dr. Eric Robinette, pediatric infectious disease physician at Akron Children’s, recommends parents be aware not only of symptoms, but also key differences to keep kids healthy and slow the spread of these viruses.
Symptoms of a cold
Kids can get about eight colds a year. They are typically caused by a virus found in the air or on the things we touch. Symptoms may include:
- Stuffy or runny nose (may start out watery, then turn thick yellow or green)
- Itchy or sore throat
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Headache
- Mild fever
- Feeling tired
- Eating less
The duration of typical cold symptoms can last between 3-14 days.
Symptoms of flu and COVID-19
It is hard to tell the difference between the common cold, COVID-19 and influenza based on symptoms alone. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and any of several different types and strains of influenza viruses cause the flu. Both can bring a wide range of symptoms – from mild to severe. Mild symptoms often overlap those of the common cold. While the common cold can occasionally cause severe symptoms, severe symptoms are more common with COVID-19 and influenza including:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
Most people develop symptoms from flu or COVID-19 within a few days and usually less than a week after exposure. Less commonly people exposed to COVID-19 may develop symptoms beyond that time.
Because many of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, contact your child’s provider to determine if an appointment is necessary or if testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Always seek immediate medical attention if your child has trouble breathing, very fast breathing, persistent pain in the chest, seems confused or difficult to wake, or looks blue/gray in the face or lips. These illnesses can also lead to dehydration so monitor your child for: the inability to drink or keep down fluids for an extended period, very little urine, very dry mouth or no tears.
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about whether vaccination to prevent COVID-19 complications is right for your child.
Prevention is best
Dr. Robinette notes that the common cold, flu and COVID-19 often spread in similar ways – during close contact with an infected person, especially when they cough, sneeze or talk. They can also spread from contaminated hands and surfaces. Staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands, and avoiding close contact can reduce spread. Wearing a face covering and social distancing can further reduce spread when needed.
Vaccinations
There is no vaccine to prevent the common cold. A yearly flu vaccine – recommended for all children 6 months and older – helps prevent the flu or make it less severe. COVID-19 vaccines, too, are safe and available for adults as well as kids ages 6 months and older. They can reduce the chance of getting sick and having serious complications of COVID-19 in the months following vaccination. While protection decreases over time, an updated vaccine intends to provide protection through the current respiratory virus season. The risk of serious complications from COVID-19 varies based on a patient’s age and underlying health. Conditions such as asthma and diabetes can increase the risk of complications, even in children. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about whether vaccination to prevent COVID-19 complications is right for them.
Treatment
For the common cold, there is no specific treatment. Treatment is available that can reduce the severity of the flu, but it works best when started in the first two days of symptoms. Like the flu, COVID-19 treatment works best in the first few days of the illness and may be available for children aged 12 and older. If your child is very sick or at increased risk of flu or COVID-19 complications, reach out to their healthcare provider.
Contact an Akron Children’s Pediatrics provider to schedule an in-person visit. Akron Children’s offers on-demand virtual visits with Quick Care Online® or schedule a virtual visit through MyChart.
